How to encapsulate more than 100 years of local history and provide a snapshot view of Sequim-Dungeness Valley life over the past century in just 13 images.
Such was the challenge undertaken by the Museum & Arts Center in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley (MAC) in selecting historical photographs from its collection for the newly published Sequim Centennial 2013 commemorative calendar.
The 13-month wall calendar, published by the Sequim Centennial Committee and designed by graphic designer Magdalena Bassett of www.BassettStudio.com, is $10 and now available at three Sequim locations: the MAC Exhibit Center, 175 W. Cedar St.; Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1192 E. Washington St.; and Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St.
“It was fun for us to look through our photo archive to find and select photographs that haven’t routinely been used,” MAC Program Coordinator Priscilla Hudson said of the project. “The pictures show the people here enjoyed life to the fullest.”
A visual compilation of local events, people, iconic landmarks like the Sequim granary, and places of cultural significance such as the Shaker Church at Jamestown, the array of vintage photographs are blended with images of historical artifacts from the MAC collection. The latter photographs, taken by retired MAC photographer-in-residence Robert Cooper as part of a multi-year collection inventory project, represent a small sampling of the thousands of objects donated to the MAC since its founding 36 years ago.
“The number of artifacts we can display at any given time in our Exhibit Center is just a fraction of our overall collection,” MAC Executive Director DJ Bassett said. “Through the calendar, we are able to increase public access to our collection.”
Bassett also noted that numerous longtime area residents assisted the MAC during the historical photo selection process in identifying people and locations previously unknown or misidentified.
“Activities like our photo ID sessions and oral history gatherings have brought people from different generations together,” Bassett said. “It gives them a chance to reminisce about the old days and remember friends and family who helped make Sequim what it is today, and it gives us a chance to ensure those stories are documented for the historical record.”
Beyond its visual appeal, the calendar also serves as a yearlong reference point for the many community and Centennial events taking place between December 2012 and December 2013. The Sequim Centennial Committee will continue accepting event submissions throughout the year for inclusion in an online Centennial events schedule viewable at www.sequimwa.gov. To submit an event, contact Sequim City Clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese at 681-3428 or kkuznek@sequimwa.gov.
More Sequim Centennial merchandise is available at Sequim City Hall and the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, including posters, cards, geo-coins, travel mugs and apparel. The Sequim Centennial Committee also is compiling recipes for a historical, anecdotal cookbook to be published in 2013. The recipe submission deadline is Dec. 31 and details are available at Sequim City Hall, online at www.sequimwa.gov, and by contacting City of Sequim Communications and Marketing Director Barbara Hanna at 681-3422 or bhanna@sequimwa.gov.
